Nashville, TN – Two teenagers, both with extensive criminal backgrounds, were arrested this week after being implicated in a violent armed robbery in South Nashville on Tuesday. The pair, Hser Thaw, 17, and Nathan Naw, 18, now face multiple charges related to the robbery, which occurred on Gillespie Drive, as well as new charges linked to their previous criminal activities.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the robbery occurred at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday when the two suspects, along with a third individual, allegedly held up a 17-year-old victim at gunpoint. The getaway vehicle, a silver Toyota Rav4, was quickly spotted by Detective Cole Ranseen, who was in the area at the time. After attempting to stop the vehicle, Ranseen pursued the suspects when the driver, later identified as Thaw, sped away and crashed into a concrete wall on Chambers Drive. The suspects fled on foot.
Thaw, who was seen running from the scene, was quickly apprehended after a brief chase. Police found a semi-automatic pistol on the ground near where Thaw had been apprehended. The robbery victim later confirmed Thaw’s involvement during a show-up identification. Thaw is now facing a series of charges, including aggravated robbery, evading arrest, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. His bond has been set at $285,000. In addition, Thaw is expected to face a probation violation for breaking the terms of his supervised release.
Thaw, who had been previously convicted on charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and auto theft, had been transferred to adult court last year. On October 24, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and was sentenced to three years of supervised probation. This latest incident marks a significant violation of his probation, prompting further legal consequences.
Meanwhile, Naw, the second suspect, was spotted by a helicopter crew running toward a residence in the 3800 block of Faulkner Drive. There, he reportedly told the homeowner that “people were after him” before forcing his way inside. The resident confirmed that Naw was a stranger to them. Officers arrived shortly after and found Naw sitting on the couch in the home.
Naw had been out on bond for pending aggravated robbery and gun charges from 2023 at the time of the robbery. He is now facing additional charges of aggravated criminal trespassing for unlawfully entering the Faulkner Drive home. Naw’s bond for this new charge is set at $4,000, and detectives are reviewing data from his ankle monitor as part of their ongoing investigation into his involvement in Tuesday’s robbery.
Both Thaw and Naw have histories of violent crime, and their latest arrests highlight concerns about repeat offenders in the area. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine whether the third suspect involved in the robbery has been identified or apprehended.
The arrests come as part of continued efforts by MNPD to combat armed robberies and violent crime in Nashville. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the robbery to come forward.
